917Ventures supports Filipino MSMEs adopt digital processes with MemoApp

917Ventures supports Filipino MSMEs adopt digital processes with MemoApp

Sunday, February 11, 2024

While digitalization is valuable for businesses across various scales, it is a critical need for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). MSMEs, unlike bigger businesses, are less likely to introduce digital practices despite these tools allowing them to improve operational processes, foster innovation, and ability to rapidly respond to market changes to remain competitive amidst today’s rapidly evolving landscape.

"Embracing digital tools should be a strategic imperative for sustaining competitiveness and resilience in today's dynamic landscape, but we understand that it is not always easy to make the shift,” said Carla Bianca Sy Su, Entrepreneur-at-Residence at 917Ventures. 

Even with the persistence of digitalization, the World Economic Forum points out that only 25% of MSMEs globally have managed to truly shift and keep up with technology. Specific to the Philippines, only 6% of MSMEs use digital tools revealing a substantial technology gap in the country.

Sy Su said MSMEs, in particular, grapple with numerous manual and paper-based processes but find it difficult to fully adopt digital tools because of financial constraints or constantly adjusting processes.

MemoApp, a web-based solution, was introduced to the Philippine market in late 2023 as one of the newest startups from 917Ventures. Its goal is to support local Filipino businesses digitize their manual and paper-based processes. 

With features such as a swift workflow approval system, an integrated e-signature capability, and effortless access to essential document templates, MemoApp stands as a practical tool for businesses seeking to streamline their operations and boost productivity and efficiency all at a fraction of the cost charged by other solutions. The solution is flexible enough to accommodate all types of business administrative needs, whether for filing contracts, routing for approvals, invoicing, and many others.

“When we talk about digitalization, we often see it as a tool that helps us with external-facing efforts, but before we get to that stage, we have to understand that it is a transformative journey that starts from within a company’s people and operations.” Sy Su added. “Memoapp was created to help businesses of all sizes become more efficient and productive– giving them a tool that allows them to go paperless, route documents faster, and get approvals easily, all in one platform.” 

Creating an avenue for digital transformation

Since its launch, MemoApp has transformed a variety of businesses across different industries including government agencies, education, healthcare, food and beverage, and more. Among businesses that have found success with MemoApp is the Center for Bright Beginnings, an early childhood intervention center in Davao City. 

For over two decades, the center grappled with time-consuming and error-prone paper-based processes–a challenge that intensified with the opening of a new campus in Tagum City. Before implementing MemoApp, requests and approvals were frequently handled manually, requiring hard copies of forms and documents. Unfortunately, this manual process often led to misplacement of documents, causing delays and inefficiencies.

“Before, we had to do all our requests and approvals in hard copy. That became an issue as we now have two separate offices. Since we would need the signatures on hard copy before we can do anything, there were instances when the documents didn’t reach the appropriate signatories or they were misplaced. This led to a lot of things taking more time than necessary and a lot of things had to be put on hold,” said Mandy Gavino, Chief Financial Officer, Center for Bright Beginnings. 

Gavino added that the convenience of having everything accessible on the website enabled swift communication and significantly accelerated approval processes for the center. The shift to MemoApp eliminated their need for physical document filing; providing easier tracking and ensuring accountability for pending approvals. She also talked about how she appreciates MemoApp's Watcher feature, which allows tracking of document progress, as well as the time-saving basic document templates for invoices, leave forms, memos, and more. 

As businesses continue to evolve, the startup plans to introduce more features and integrations in the near future. This includes bulk document creations, bulk approvals, and full-on document collaborations, to name a few. It is also preparing a self-service feature to enable new users and team members to onboard themselves and create their form templates. 

MemoApp also plans to introduce Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to allow businesses to connect MemoApp to their existing workflow and process software.

Businesses who want to experience a smoother, more organized, and paperless process can register for a Basic Subscription Plan to explore the features of MemoApp. Learn more by visiting memoapp.ph.

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HONOR PH inks partnership with Philippine Heart Center, aims to raise awareness on Heart Health

HONOR PH inks partnership with Philippine Heart Center, aims to raise awareness on Heart Health

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

[L-R] Present at the MOU signing were Ms. Josephine M. Guillermo-Lopez, Deputy Executive Director – Hospital Support Services, Philippine Heart Center; Dr. Joel M. Abanilla, Executive Director, Philippine Heart Center; Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines; and Erwin Ng, Owner of Jump Manila.  

"HONOR Your Heart” is HONOR Philippines Valentine’s Campaign promoting Heart Health

Jump for a cause! HONOR Philippines today announced its partnership with the Philippine Heart Center and Jump Manila in pursuit of raising awareness on Heart Health this love month. 

Dubbed “HONOR Your Heart: A fund-raising jump rope workout for Philippine Heart Center by HONOR Philippines in partnership with Jump Manila” aimed to raise funds for the beneficiaries of the Philippine Heart Center and promote education about heart health through a jump rope workout. 

The event is open to the public and will take place on February 11 at the Ayala Triangle Gardens. Interested joiners can sign up here: https://bit.ly/HONORYourHeartPHC, and the first 100 to sign up will receive an exclusive HONOR X9b 5G x Jump Manila jump rope and a Dri-fit muscle tee! 

“While HONOR X9b 5G champions durability, we, at HONOR, also promote active and holistic healthy lifestyle. This also sets our Valentine’s initiative aims to raise awareness on heart health. ” said HONOR Philippines’ Vice President Stephen Cheng. 

“Schemic heart diseases and heart attacks remain the No. 1 killer not only in the Philippines but in the world and I'm so glad that at this point in time, there are people outside the health institutions that have advocacies of improving the Cardiovascular Healthcare of our fellow men,” said Philippine Heart Center Executive Director Dr. Joel M. Abanilla.

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Bossjob launches new features to provide better job-hunting experience for SEA talents for 2024

Bossjob launches new features to provide better job-hunting experience for SEA talents for 2024

The chat-first platform introduces new features to connect users with global and remote job markets

Bossjob, the chat-first career platform revolutionizing professional hiring in Southeast Asia (SEA), is making career opportunities even more within reach for talents as they introduce new features to enable them to access jobs from abroad and remote work opportunities easily.

The hiring platform has officially launched a new feature allowing recruiters from around the world to connect with talent across parts of Asia, including the Philippines. Employers can now post their job openings globally on the Bossjob website by selecting the 'International' option and targeting specific countries where they seek top talent. 

This feature not only facilitates outsourcing and remote team setups but also helps establish employer presence in previously unsupported regions. With the new feature, Bossjob aims to help companies reduce recruitment costs and streamline their cross-border hiring processes.

Bossjob's new feature comes particularly timely in helping employers seize opportunities to attract top talent. It is anticipated that individuals will be reassessing their career paths at the start of 2024. The start of a new year typically serves as a period for introspection and the setting of resolutions, leading many to reevaluate their professional aspirations and strive to begin the year on a positive note. 

Moreover, Bossjob particularly sees the importance of making these job opportunities more accessible to Filipinos. The Philippines Freelance Market 2022 Report suggested many Filipinos thrive as freelancers, benefitting from overseas freelancing opportunities.

Meanwhile, the platform has also launched the remote jobs section, making it easier for talents to scroll around the opportunities that best suit them. Job seekers can easily go to the "Remote Jobs" section of the Bossjob website and check hundreds of remote job positions across various industries, including information technology, customer service, human resources, sales, finance, manufacturing, banking, and healthcare.

Bossjob CEO Anthony Garcia says the company hopes to bring opportunities not only closer but more accessible to more Filipinos.

“With our new international feature and dedicated remote jobs section, we're not just expanding horizons, but we're actively dismantling barriers to global employment and fostering a more inclusive, accessible job market. At Bossjob, we believe that a great career should be accessible to everyone, everywhere, and our latest features are a significant step towards making that belief a reality,” Garcia said.

Preference for remote work among job seekers continues to rise

Starting in Q3 of 2023, Bossjob began supporting hybrid and remote job opportunities, leading to a significant increase in such listings. The number of jobs posted in these categories has since doubled, underscoring a growing trend in the employment market. 

Key industries embracing this trend include Information Technology (IT), sales, and emerging web3 sectors. Remote roles in high demand range from sales representatives and accountants to administrative assistants and business development managers.

The introduction of these flexible work options has led to a substantial increase in job seeker interest. Bossjob reports a sevenfold rise in the number of candidates seeking remote or hybrid work arrangements, with about 32% of its over 3 million active job seekers exploring these options.

The preference for remote work extends across various job categories, with customer service representatives (CSR), entry-level jobs, and IT roles being particularly sought after.

In addition to increased demand, Bossjob's data shows salaries for hybrid work arrangements are equally attractive to those opportunities that require people to work on-site. For instance, remote CSR roles offer an average salary of Php 29,000, compared to the Php 27,000 average pay for on-site positions.

Bossjob's expansion to supporting remote and hybrid work opportunities reflects a broader global trend and demonstrates the platform's commitment to evolving with the changing job market dynamics.

"In a rapidly evolving job market, Bossjob is at the forefront of the shift towards a project-based economy in the Philippines. Our data shows not just a trend but a reflection of a deeper change in work preferences. As we continue to champion this shift, Bossjob remains committed to connecting talent with forward-thinking employers, reshaping the workforce for a more dynamic and adaptable future,” Garcia said.

With a growing presence in Asia, including the Philippines, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, and Hong Kong, Bossjob aims to reach over 30 million users in SEA by 2026. As part of its efforts to expand its global market, it has started offering free services this year.

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Listerine #FightMouthAging Campaign Wins for Health & Wellness at the 59th Anvil Awards

Listerine #FightMouthAging Campaign Wins for Health & Wellness at the 59th Anvil Awards

(L-R: Yoly Crisanto, adviser, Public Relations Society of the Philippines; Nyko Rodriguez, associate business director, Pulse Communications; Ina Chan, account director, Pulse Communications; Miggy Gamboa, marketing manager for Oral Care, Kenvue Philippines; Kate Lu, account manager, Pulse Communications; Crismer Tiria, associate marketing director for Oral & Self-Care, Kenvue Philippines)

Listerine Team, together with Pulse Communications, received the Silver Anvil Award for its #FightMouthAging Campaign

Listerine has emerged victorious at the 59th Anvil Awards, securing the prestigious Silver Anvil in the Health & Wellness category for its #FightMouthAging PR Campaign.

The Health & Wellness category recognizes the most effective programs that promote health and overall wellness through public relations. The winning Listerine campaign’s results were the result of strategic partnerships, engaging KOL content, and outreach efforts that resonated with audiences across various demographics. From informative social media campaigns to interactive community events, Listerine's initiatives effectively communicated the importance of oral care in maintaining overall health.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 46% of Filipinos already have gum disease by the age of 30, and if not addressed, this may eventually lead to tooth loss. Most Pinoys are led to believe that tooth loss is a normal part of aging, but Listerine’s #FightMouthAging campaign debunks that myth. The campaign educates Filipinos that having a healthy mouth, even as you age, is indeed possible with the right oral health regimen of brushing, flossing, and using Listerine to protect oneself from plaque, cavities, and gum problems—key indicators of a deteriorating mouth.

(L-R: Alvin Adizon, management trainee for Oral Care, Kenvue Philippines; Maris Rada, brand manager for Oral Care, Kenvue Philippines; Ina Chan, account director, Pulse Communications; Miggy Gamboa, marketing manager for Oral Care, Kenvue Philippines; Kate Lu, account manager, Pulse Communications; Crismer Tiria, associate marketing director for Oral & Self-Care, Kenvue Philippines; Nyko Rodriguez, associate business director, Pulse Communications)

"We are thrilled and honored to have been recognized by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines for our Listerine #FightMouthAging Campaign. We hope to inspire and educate more Pinoys on the transformative impact of good oral hygiene. Having healthy smiles that last a lifetime is indeed possible with the proper regimen of brushing, flossing, and using Listerine daily”, said Miggy Gamboa, marketing manager for Oral Care, Kenvue Philippines.

The 59th Anvil Awards, held annually by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines, recognizes outstanding Public Relations Campaigns and Tools from across the industry.

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Embracing Loud Budgeting as a Love Language this Valentine’s Day

Embracing Loud Budgeting as a Love Language this Valentine’s Day

This 2024, a new trend called 'loud budgeting' is gaining popularity, encouraging people to openly discuss their finances without feeling embarrassed. Contrary to the 'quiet luxury' trend of the past year, loud budgeting helps Filipinos be more honest about their financial situation, leading to greater empowerment in managing their money. This Valentine's Day, let's celebrate the love language of financial wellness.

Regardless if it's Php 299 or 2,999 or 29,999, communication is key to financial wellness

Last month, Filipino social media exploded with discussions about the ₱299 engagement ring. People were split on whether it was about self-worth or long-term financial plans, and both sides had valid points. There's no right or wrong answer here; it all depends on what matters most to you or your partner. But what can we take away from this in terms of financial wellness as a love language? It's about being honest about one’s money habits.

Having open conversations with one’s partner about spending and saving money sets the groundwork to avoid misunderstandings and disappointment. Whether it's about a ring or any other gift, clear communication helps manage expectations and keeps the relationship on solid ground. 

Empowering financial security: Nurturing smarter money habits

Supporting smarter money habits for the future involves embracing financial wellness as a love language and encouraging one’s partner to engage in sound practices to build financial security. It encompasses a commitment to fostering better money management skills, such as prioritizing savings. While opening a traditional bank account can sometimes pose challenges due to stringent requirements, present financial solutions offer numerous digital banking alternatives like UnionDigital. The platform not only provides savings accounts but also offers convenient features such as seamless cashless transactions, including unique selling points like QR code peer-to-peer (P2P) transfers, with person-to-merchant (P2M) coming soon, and FREE instant fund transfers via InstaPay, ensuring a smoother and more efficient financial experience. Its UBEH Save is a high-interest savings account that offers a competitive interest rate of up to 4% p.a., enabling customers to grow their funds more effectively. 

Building on social ties

Nurturing love in relationships needs time, effort, and emotional investment. The principle of the emerging practice of loud budgeting prioritizes meaningful experiences over extravagant gifts. In a similar sense, building a solid financial foundation goes beyond mere saving and involves strategic planning and understanding one’s finances—an invaluable investment for long-term results. Just as personal ties require cultivation and attention, financial well-being thrives on careful nurturing and informed decision-making.

Endearing ties and reaping its rewards

Investing in love and finances brings fulfilling rewards: shared accomplishments, emotional connection, and financial stability. Celebrating relationships and financial milestones reinforces the value of invested efforts as these moments serve as markers of progress and dedication. UnionDigital Time Deposit is one product that highlights the significance of mindful investment. For as low as 1,000 pesos, users can already enroll in an account. With one of the lowest minimum time deposit rate requirements, UnionDigital’s Time Deposit removes barriers to investment opportunities, facilitating a solid foundation for ongoing financial growth. 

Harnessing self-love as an investment

Investing in self-love produces lasting outcomes, enabling one to fulfill and meet his or her own needs. Consider practicing self-love by indulging in activities that bring joy, relaxation, and inner peace. The value of self-care doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag, and can be found in simple, everyday practices that prioritize mental, emotional, and physical well-being. 

As the period ushers in the love month, it’s time to redefine the approach to love. By understanding that love is not synonymous with extravagant spending, but about taking meaningful steps in nurturing relationships, one can create a more sustainable and fulfilling foundation for both love and life. Just like love, financial management requires careful attention, investment, and decision-making. UBEH Save and UD Time Deposit are products by UnionDigital tailored to offer convenient solutions for saving and investing, all designed to help achieve financial well-being with ease and confidence. By embracing sound practices, one can create a life that is a harmonious blend of emotional fulfillment and financial stability. 

UnionDigital Bank is the digital bank subsidiary of Union Bank of the Philippines. It is one of the six digital banks in the country regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). At present, UnionDigital offers a wide array of financial services, featuring competitive offerings such as the P1,000 Time Deposit, high-yield savings account, QRPH payments and transfers, among others. In a significant move to enhance financial inclusion, UnionDigital is poised to introduce a cash loan product, distinguished by its entirely digital application process and quick crediting of funds within minutes.

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Building a More Secure Web for Businesses: Eastern Communications Leads Awareness on Safer Internet Day

Building a More Secure Web for Businesses: Eastern Communications Leads Awareness on Safer Internet Day

In alignment with the global observance of Safer Internet Day 2024, premier telecommunications company Eastern Communications steps forward to highlight the critical issue of online security. Amid the growing prevalence of online scams, particularly through work emails and misleading links, Eastern Communications is at the forefront of educating and protecting businesses and individuals alike.

In 2023, Sophos revealed that 30% of cyber attacks were orchestrated through email, while ransomware assaults on private sector businesses led to 84% revenue losses for the victims.

"We understand the threats online scams pose, and they have become increasingly sophisticated," said Rex Evangelista, Eastern Communications’ Head of Information Technology Department, "Our mission is not only to provide top-notch security solutions but also to educate our internal and external stakeholders to practice awareness and resilience against these threats."

Online scams, especially through work emails, mimicked email accounts, and suspicious links, are on the rise due to sophisticated phishing attacks, advanced social engineering tactics, and the exploitation of system vulnerabilities and human error. The shift towards remote work and the increasing reliance on digital communication have further exposed businesses to these threats.

Eastern Communications prioritizes digital safety through comprehensive internal practices. Staff training programs are a cornerstone of this initiative, equipping employees with essential skills to recognize and counter potential online threats.

This dedication to cybersecurity is further cemented by Eastern Communications' ISO 27001 certification, an internationally recognized standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS), underscoring the company’s steadfast commitment to securing data and managing the information of its stakeholders responsibly.

The process is followed by extending Eastern’s expertise to its customers and partners through thought leadership sessions, technological workshops like Access Eastern, and online educational materials like videos, posts, and blogs.

Finally, Eastern Communications delivers holistic cyber defense solutions to its clients and identifies four online safety essentials to combat various threats originating from emails and online sources. The full suite, covering all stages of cyberattacks, includes the Sophos XG Firewall (Next Generation Firewall), Central Intercept X Advanced (CIXA), Central Email Advanced for email security, and Sophos Phish Threat for educating the whole organization. 

The Sophos XG Firewall is a Next Generation Firewall that safeguards users throughout the initial stages of ransomware attacks. XG Firewall includes one of the best-performing IPS engines on the market and offers easy, simple, and flexible tools to secure your LAN. 

CIXA on the other hand, is a cloud-based security platform that combines advanced endpoint detection and response with anti-malware protection to spot cybersecurity vulnerabilities and block malicious attempts. CIXA is an endpoint security solution that employs machine learning, allowing it to understand new forms of threats and risks.

To complete the online defense suite, Eastern offers Central Email Advanced, a secure email gateway engineered to keep businesses safe from all email threats, and Sophos Phish Threats, a phishing attack simulation system that assesses the organization’s preparedness against real-world attacks.

"In today's digital age, understanding the landscape of online threats is as crucial as having the tools to combat them. Our approach is holistic – we focus on empowering users with knowledge as well as technology,” Evangelista emphasized.

Marking the annual Safer Internet Day, Eastern Communications reaffirms its commitment to enhancing online security and setting new standards in combating digital threats. By integrating advanced technology with educational outreach, Eastern leads in empowering individuals and businesses to navigate the digital world safely, inspiring change toward a more secure and informed online world.

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JCI Manila takes Pasay City to new heights with first ever skateboarding park

JCI Manila takes Pasay City to new heights with first ever skateboarding park

 

JCI Manila and Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano team up to initiate the construction of Pasay city's inaugural skateboarding park.

Skateboarding has gained significant popularity in the Philippines, with an increasing number of young enthusiasts seen practicing in parks and the streets of Metro Manila. Despite being a popular activity, skateboarders have a significant hurdle due to a lack of designated skateparks and pedestrian-friendly streets.

In pursuit of its goal to empower young individuals and foster positive change, JCI Manila, a prominent leadership development group in Asia, has joined forces with the local government of Pasay City and One Manila Organization to spearheaded the groundbreaking event for the city’s first ever skate park at Barangay 143 Linear Ecopark.

The inspiration for the initiative stemmed from the gold-medal victory of Filipino skateboarder Margielyn Didal at the 2019 South East Asian Games and her subsequent qualification for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. The skate park is intended to provide a safe and dedicated space for skaters to practice, develop, and improve their skateboarding skills.

“2023 marked the beginning of our sport campaign, centered on the development of skate parks and promoting skateboarding in the Philippines. The support of both Pasay City LGU and One Manila Organization for this mission is truly appreciated. It highlights the positive outcomes that can be achieved when diverse groups and individuals work together as a cohesive unit towards a common objective,” said Charles ‘Calel’ Gosingtian, 2024 President of JCI Manila.

This initiative not only aims to produce more local skaters who may one day represent the Philippines on a global stage but also promotes a healthy lifestyle and encourages community involvement, inclusivity, and talent development.

Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, who attended the ceremony, stated that her administration will continue to promote sports initiatives. “The LGU of Pasay City collaborated with JCI Manila and One Manila to determine the best location to establish a skate park, and we proposed the Linear Ecopark. This area was formerly filled with garbage and illegal settlers, but soon enough, it will become a safe space for young people who enjoy skateboarding,” she said.

JCI Manila is now looking to expand this project to other areas in the metro such as Manila City and Paranaque City. The Pasay City skate park is slated to begin construction on February 1, with a target completion of two months.

Ten Outstanding Guro Awards 2024

After the groundbreaking event, JCI Manila also launched its “Ten Outstanding Guro Awards” (TOGA) 2024 project. The TOGA, now in its third year, is JCI Manila’s flagship program that honors the devotion and enthusiasm of teachers who have dedicated their life to students’ enrichment and holistic learning. 

JCI’s project chairman Vjohn Dizon says the main objectives of the initiative are to train 4,000 teachers nationwide in personal development programs such as financial literacy, motivational productivity, and health and wellness, as well as to recognize the top 10 teachers who made a difference in their communities.

To be eligible for participation in the initiative, teachers must meet three fundamental prerequisites. First, the teachers must have at least three years of teaching experience. Second, they must hold a teaching license. Finally, they must get 360-degree testimonials from their fellow teachers, families, and students. 

“JCI Manila’s primary goal of promoting active civic leadership is exemplified through their emphasis on the TOGA and accompanying teacher training programs. By acknowledging and empowering educators, JCI Manila cultivates a community dedicated to excellence and education,” said Dizon.

JCI Manila is a group of young professionals, businessmen, and entrepreneurs dedicated to socio-civic activities. This year, JCI Manila welcomed the Board of Directors for 2024, led by President Charles ‘Calel’ Gosingtian, in its 76th Induction & Turnover Ceremonies held at the Conrad Manila, Pasay City.

Established in 1947, JCI Manila is the oldest leadership development institution in the Philippines and Asia. Its mission is to build leadership abilities in its members and create positive change in the community.

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Revolutionising digital entertainment in the Philippines

Revolutionising digital entertainment in the Philippines

Putting the GAME in eGaming: DigiPlus utilises cutting-edge technologies and a deep bench of experts from different spaces within the gaming industry.

Traditional bingo is deeply ingrained in Filipino culture. Such gaming activities have served as a space where people from all walks of life get to enjoy, relax, and build meaningful connections with every game.

However, the unprecedented times brought by the pandemic changed the entire gaming industry amidst quarantine restrictions preventing any form of social gatherings. The public crisis also rapidly pushed digital adoption across the world. This comes amidst a digitally adept young demographic and a significant penetration of the Internet and smartphones in recent years.

This brought both a challenge and an opportunity for gaming and leisure company DigiPlus Interactive in leading digitalisation in the Philippine gaming industry whilst creating enjoyable experiences for its players across channels.

DigiPlus Interactive has launched BingoPlus in January 2022. It is the first digital platform where bingo-loving Filipinos can play with the convenience of time and place by bringing the game live online. BingoPlus leverages the company’s deep understanding of its customers whilst bringing in innovation and technologies to offer new entertainment product formats to more Filipinos.

BingoPlus’ brick-and-mortar or traditional bingo operations also complemented the foray into the digital space. DigiPlus Interactive currently operates at least 200 bingo halls in different parts of the Philippines, which continue to be popular amongst Filipinos.

The strong performance of BingoPlus propelled the robust growth of DigiPlus. In 2022, DigiPlus posted a turnaround in its financial performance, with a net income of ₱686.9m coming from a net loss of ₱894.6m in the previous year. Furthermore, in the first nine months of 2023, DigiPlus registered a net income of ₱2.1b, more than a tenfold growth from 2022.

As the first and only government-licensed digital bingo platform in the country, BingoPlus is reshaping the country’s gaming industry. Continuing to dominate the digital gaming space, BingoPlus has opened up new opportunities, triggering a proliferation of online gaming platforms in the Philippines. This healthy competition fosters innovation and creativity that fundamentally benefits the customers.

The platform has also since become a community and entertainment platform, a source of revenue for the Philippine government, and a contributor to various social and educational non-profit programmes.

“The success of BingoPlus has paved the way for [DigiPlus] to undertake a strategic transformation to position itself as a digital entertainment platform,” the company said. It added its plans of launching new and innovative game offerings to cater to broader demographics and lifestyle preferences.

The platform’s continued investment in research and development, as well as its efforts in revolutionising the digital gaming experience, has been lauded by the inaugural Asian Management Excellence Awards, with the company bringing home the Philippines Innovator of the Year - Media & Entertainment category win.

The coveted awards programme celebrates the finest business leaders, innovators, and companies in Asia, and commends exceptional achievements in the various aspects of operations, including employee engagement programmes, diversity and inclusion projects, and health and wellness initiatives.

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DTI invites creative startups to jumpstart businesses with IDEA, ADVanCE programs

DTI invites creative startups to jumpstart businesses with IDEA, ADVanCE programs

Friday, February 2, 2024

The Department of Trade and Industry, through the Competitiveness and Innovation Group (DTI-CIG), is looking for creative startup companies to onboard to their two programs designed to support and strengthen the creative industries in the Philippines. 

The DTI-CIG, led by Undersecretary Rafaelita M. Aldaba, in partnership with startup accelerator Launchgarage, has launched the creatives edition of the Incubation, Development, and Entrepreneurial Assistance (IDEA) and Accelerating Development, Valuation, and Corporate Entrepreneurship (ADVanCE) programs aimed at providing customized support to creative startups in the Philippines to help them become market and investment-ready.

The application period is until 11 February 2024. To know more about the programs and submit applications, interested parties can visit the official websites of the IDEA program-creatives edition and the ADVanCE program, as well as the DTI-CIG Facebook page.

"The programs are a testament to the Philippine government's belief in the immense potential of Filipino creativity and entrepreneurship. By providing the much-needed support and platform, we are setting the stage for creative startups to not only thrive locally but also make a significant impact on the global stage. The creative sector is a vital component of our economy and cultural identity, and through initiatives like these, we aim to foster an environment where ideas can flourish, talents are honed, and success stories are born," Usec. Aldaba said.

The Philippine creative industries play a significant role in the national economy. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) revealed the creative economy amounted to P1.60 trillion in 2022, contributing 7.3% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Furthermore, the sector was responsible for employing almost 7 million Filipinos that year.

The IDEA for Creatives edition will onboard 10 early-stage creative startups and enterprises to support and enhance their entrepreneurial capacity and readiness. Under the program, selected startups will participate in various educational workshops aimed at transforming their inventive business concepts into successful enterprises. Each will be paired with experienced mentors and coaches to guide them in their startup journey. The program culminates with a showcase event, where startups can present their ventures to program stakeholders, angel investors, venture capitalists, corporate representatives, and key figures in the ecosystem.

Early-stage startups that are operating in the Philippines with a minimum viable product, registered or in the process of registration to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or DTI, with 60% of its founders Filipino, and with at least two founders committed to the IDEA program, are eligible to apply.

Meanwhile, an initial pool of 10-15 startups will be chosen to participate in the ADVanCE for Creatives. After the preliminary screening, they will be assessed based on organizational capacity, business maturity, and readiness levels. From there, five participating startups will be selected to proceed to the acceleration phase and undergo intensive training based on the specific interventions identified from the needs assessment.

To be eligible, startups should be in their growth and expansion stage and are based in the country with at least two years of operations with revenue, SEC or DTI-registered, with 60% of its founders Filipino, and with at least two founders committed to the ADVanCE program.

DTI welcomes all creative startups within the domains of audiovisual media, digital interactive media, creative services, design, publishing and printed media, performing arts, visual arts, traditional cultural expressions, and cultural sites to apply to the programs.

"We call on all eligible creative startups to seize this unparalleled opportunity. Join us in this endeavor to transform your innovative ideas into successful enterprises and become part of a movement that celebrates and elevates Filipino talent and ingenuity," Aldaba shares.

The IDEA and ADVanCE programs are aligned with RA 11337, or the Innovative Startup Act, aimed at providing benefits and programs to strengthen, promote, and develop the Philippine startup ecosystem. Their latest cohorts will focus on the creative industries in accordance with Republic Act No. 11904 or the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA), which mandates the development of a vibrant and globally competitive Philippine creative sector by protecting and enhancing their rights and boosting economic capacities.

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PLDT Home Gigabit Fiber Plans: Revolutionizing Philippine Broadband with Ultra-Fast Connectivity

PLDT Home Gigabit Fiber Plans: Revolutionizing Philippine Broadband with Ultra-Fast Connectivity

PLDT Home is once again pushing the boundaries of Philippine broadband with the launch of its Gigabit Fiber Plans. Designed to provide Filipinos with the fastest and most reliable internet available today, these plans mark a significant leap into the Gigabit Era, showcasing PLDT Home's commitment to digital innovation.

PLDT Home has a history of introducing unprecedented internet speeds, having been the first to offer speeds of up to 1 Gbps. Now, with the Gigabit Fiber Plans, Filipinos can experience internet speeds of up to an astonishing 10 Gbps, a testament to PLDT Home's dedication to keeping the nation at the forefront of digital advancements.

 PLDT Home's Gigabit Fiber comes in four plans: 1 Gbps, 2.5 Gbps, 5 Gbps, and a maximum of 10 Gbps. These mind-blowing speeds enable simultaneous ultra-fast and high-bandwidth online activities for everyone at home. Each Gigabit Fiber plan includes a Gigabit modem, a whole-home WiFi 6 mesh system, subscriptions to IPTV and global streaming apps, and security services for personal devices.

Subscribers to Gigabit Fiber plans enjoy exclusive perks, including premium welcome kits and access to PLDT Home exclusive events and venues. This not only enhances their digital experience but also underscores PLDT Home's commitment to providing VIP treatment to its valued customers.

Gigabit speed is the next generation of Fiber high-speed internet, offering speeds at least 100 times faster than today's average internet connections. This level of connectivity is crucial for large families and groups with high demands for lag-free connections across various devices, reflecting the evolving digital landscape in Filipino homes.

A Global Elite With the introduction of Gigabit Fiber plans, the Philippines joins an elite roster of nations, including South Korea, Japan, and the United States, that are Gigabit-ready. PLDT Home's leadership in digital innovations reinforces its commitment to driving advancements in communication, information consumption, business, education, creative pursuits, and entertainment experiences.

PLDT Home's Gigabit Fiber plans, reaching maximum speeds of 10 Gbps, empower Filipinos with life-changing internet speeds. This innovation supports next-level efficiency and productivity, seamless entertainment experiences, and peak convenience in smart homes. As PLDT Home sets new standards for digital innovations, it anticipates a surge in opportunities for Filipinos in various aspects of life.

Initially launching in select villages in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao, PLDT Home's Gigabit Fiber plans promise to elevate the digital experience for residents in these areas. The expansion of this service is expected to bring about limitless possibilities and a major boost to the Philippines' digital landscape.

PLDT Home's Gigabit Fiber plans mark a significant milestone in the country's digital evolution, offering unparalleled internet speeds and comprehensive packages. As the Philippines embraces the Gigabit Era, PLDT Home stands as a digital innovations leader, ushering in a new era of connectivity and limitless possibilities for Filipinos.

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